28 Nailer Boys return from 'awesome' NanO-ctober Tour 2011
After two days of hardcore Tour hockey 28 U16 & U14 boys returned from their hockey sortee bigger and better club players.
The U16s showed what a formidable unit they have become. Not content with scalping Beeston HC and Cannock HC earlier in the season they unpicked Team Bath, last years quarter finalists in the EH Cup 2 - 1; before vanquishing Cheltenham, and then Worcester Hockey Clubs 4 - 0 apiece.
The U14 suffrered a difficult defeat to Team Bath going down 8 - 1. However after sleep depravation from a night of high spirits in the Bath YHA they came of the blocks on Sunday and beat both Cheltenham and Worcester. The boys were true ambassadors for Belper HC in the eyes of other EHL clubs; they played remarkable hockey; and really came together as a proper pucker club team.
Thank you to all those helped make this weekend the truly remarkable success it has been - Viv Tolley; Judy & Nigel Hooker; Ben Lamb; Paul Cahill; Andrew Hartley & Simon Clague and for the support of legions of parents that turned this tour into part of their half term holiday.
Jason Franklin

Belper U16 EH Championship – Sunday 2nd October, 2011
This season the U16 Championship has changed from a Knock Out to a league format, with teams being placed in mini leagues on a geographical basis. The result of this is that we have to play both Cannock and Beeston in the early stages of the Competition, with our very first match being against Beeston, at Beeston on 2nd Oct, followed immediately by a match against Lichfield the same afternoon!!
The Squad : Joe Darby (GK), Harri Johnson-Evans (GK), Rannoch Linnell, Toby Hooker, Chris Handley, Alex Cox, Ben Hurst, Ben Clague, Jacob Bullock, George Murfin, Tom Harrop, Tom Farr, Dominic Bennett, Jake Taylor, Luke Rowbottom, George Selby, George Collier.
Match 1 : Beeston 0 - Belper 2
Having suffered something of a drubbing at the last meeting, and with senior players, Dan Darby on 1st team duties, Alex Robey away on a school trip and Nick Pankhurst having broken his ankle the previous morning, the team anticipated this encounter with a degree of trepidation.
After a nervous start by Belper, both teams gradually settled and Belper found their rhythm with good communication and team work. Ten minutes in Beeston, conceded a penalty corner, giving Belper a chance to put Thursday evening’s practise into action. Things didn’t go entirely to plan, but after a bit of a goal mouth scrap Toby managed to flip the ball over the keeper and into the net. Beeston came out strongly after the goal, but the Belper boys kept their cool and began to dominate, maintaining their lead into half time. After the break Belper began where they left off and it was only a matter of time before anther penalty corner again gave Toby the chance to net the ball again. A convincing win!
MotM : Jacob Bullock.
Match 2 : Belper 6 - Lichfield 1
Once shirts and socks were sorted play got underway in our second match of the afternoon, against Lichfield. Sadly Harri was injured during warm-up and was unable to take any part in the afternoon’s proceedings, leaving Joe to man the net for a second time.
The Belper Boys set about their business with some good confident passing hockey against a less well organised opposition. Ben Hurst mad the first breakthrough with some well executed play and a great finish. Belper didn’t capitalise further until a penalty corner shortly before half time allowed our new found pc expert to gain his third of the day. This was very swiftly followed by a Dom Bennett special.
With a 3 goal cushion Belper went into the second half with confidence, Ben Hurst working his magic and scoring within a minute. Lichfield managed to somehow pull one back, and had another golden opportunity when they were awarded a penalty stroke. Joe Darby, however, had his moment of glory, saving the flick in style. Belper then got a grip again with George Collier and Dom Bennett adding two more goals to the tally.
MotM : Ben Hurst
The third match of the afternoon, Beeston v Lichfield ended 4-1 to Beeston. Thus Belper go into the next round on 27th November, at Lichfield where we play Cannock and West Bridgford, top of the table and with a healthy goal difference – a good afternoons work!
Many thanks to Coach, Ben Lamb, umpire, Andrew Lamb, and all the supporters, but especially to all the Boys for Stepping Up.

Belper 7 West Bridgford 0, EH U14 Boys Championship, Sunday 2nd October, 2011
Belper's opening fixture at St Benedicts School started under cloudy skies but finished in bright sunshine and the game followed a similar path. For the first 15 minutes Belper struggled to breakdown staunch West Bridgford defence, failing to find the height and width to open up gaps. Finally Nat and Jamie managed to find a way through and set up James R to sweep home. George, James H, Sean and Jon M held firm at the back until Jon H made it 2 - 0 with a goal from open play. Joe then added a third after Ciaran had launched a counterattack taking the ball from his own "23" deep into the Monarch's half. After half time Jamie struck home with a neat reverse stick shot. Harry S made it 5 from a crisp short corner move before Jamie netted again from open play. Ciaran rounded off the scoring, hitting a half volley high into the net.
Paula, U14 Manager

Belper vs Trent U18, Thursday 22nd Septembe, 2011
On Thursday 22 Sept, Belper met the Trent U18 side for a warm up friendly. Belper fielded a mix of U18 and U16s to get some early junior match experience.
The team was: Harri J-E (GK), Chris H, Toby H, Adam W, Harrison P, Alex R Simon T, Fraser B, Capt Chris B, Chris H, James C, Ross D.
David Boddy stepped up as the "Player/Coach".
Trent came out strongly and got an early goal, but this did not dampen Belper's spirit. Shortly afterwards, James C did a darting run up the middle and it was then all evens. Despite Trent getting a couple of short corners and trying out well worked moves, the defensive work by the Belper back four - and Harri - kept the scores level. At the first Belper short corner, a neat injection gave James the opportunity to demonstrate the advantages of a clean strike and Belper took the lead. Trent had the advantage of numbers to try out combinations and brought on fresh legs at regular intervals, often in whole swaths of changes.
Towards the end, tiredness must have set in as Belper were run down. In the last few minutes Trent managed to score two goals to take the lead. However, not from one of their many short corners. It was a fine game with Belper showing good team work, excellent spirit and fine skills. MoTM was understandably Harri in Goal - he even had the Trent coach smiling with his saves!
Many thanks to Jason for arranging, Robin P for umpiring, Judy for the organisation and the parents for their support and transport! It was a great game to watch and served its aim in getting the team some match time.
Alan Wisdish

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Nailer's host 'The Double U14 boys Triangle' at Repton School, Sunday 18th September
The Junior Boys hosted their first friendly's of the season: 'The Double Triangle' at Repton School last weekend. It was mainly about eating wonderful homespun cakes - but managed some stick action too!
Our U16s went head to head with Cannock HC striding to victory, before stumbling to Olton & W Warwick HC. Our young uns, the U14s, saw off both Cannock HC and Burton HC. Smashing. Well done to all the lads. Match reports to follow. Biggest THANKYOU goes to the parents for providing the most exceptional spread of cakes outside of a WI. We have had remarkable praise from the visiting teams. Thank you. Jason, Chair Junior Boys.
Belper 6 Cannock 0 Belper made a good start with several early attempts on goal. The scoring was opened by Ciaran C with a deflection from a penalty corner in the 13th minute. James R then went on to score a hat trick of goals from open play - 1 just before half time, the 2nd within 30 seconds of the second half starting and a futher one 8 minutes later. Joe D followed up swirtly with a goal, when he found the keeper out of position and slotted coolly home. Finally James R scored his 4th goal of the day with a straight strike from a penalty corner.
Players Man of the Match - Nat P. Coaches Man of the Match - James R.
Belper 3 Burton 1 The Belper boys kept us on the edge of our seats with almost no goals in the first half before Jon H came to the rescue with a goal from a penalty corner in the 25th minute. Following half time Jon stepped up once again to score his 2nd goal from another penalty corner. Three minutes later Dylan G scored from open play. Burton continued to battle hard and scored a well deserved consolation goal in the 19th minute of the 2nd half.
Players Man of the Match - Jamie F. Coaches Man of the Match - Jon H
Paula, U14 Manager

Belper Boys newsletter and registration document 2011-12
Read the Junior Boys pre-season newsletter for information regarding training times, matches, training fees and tours. Click here to download '2011-12 Newsletter'
To be a member of the Belper Junior Boys section 2011-12 you need to complete the attached registration document 'Registration'

New Badgers venture get sponsorship from regional law firm
Flint Bishop – Derby based solicitors will sponsor the new Badgers team for 2011/12. Sponsorship will provide home and away playing shirts for the team plus match day essentials; and new pitch-side banners have gone up. Flint Bishop are keen supporters of community sport and have an excellent regional and national reputation which is strongly echoed by Belper HC. This is the perfect start to a new venture for the boy section that will introduce them Saturday club hockey where they will play home and away games through out the Midlands region. It is strongly hoped that experienced adult players who may have thought about hanging up their astros, or thinking about putting them back on will consider the Badgers as an ideal home for passing on their experience to the clubs players of tomorrow. Interested, go on? Contact Jason Franklin 07584 422570.

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Belper Hockey Club Summer Camp - Monday 15th August to Friday 19th August, 2011
Belper Hockey Club and I are pleased to present our fourth Summer Hockey Camp designed for boys and girls between the ages of 8 to 14. Our aim is to provide the best quality of coaching in a safe and friendly environment to rival any other hockey camp across the country.
For those that don’t know me, I have been associated with Belper for many years. I started playing hockey at an early age and was lucky enough to represent Derbyshire, the Midlands and England at junior level. Having ‘given up’ playing, although I use that term loosely! I have concentrated on my coaching. I have previously been the Head Coach of the Men’s section of the club however I now concentrate on just junior development. I am very passionate about the development of junior hockey, at Belper in particular, and would therefore be delighted to have your child/children attend our camp. Ben Lamb
Click here to download 'Information Booklet'
Click here to download 'Application Form'
Click here to download 'Medical Form'

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U14 Boys, PaintBall Blitz, Sunday 28th November, 2010
The lads swapped their sticks and shin pads for camouflage fatigues and paint guns; and in sub zero temperatures took to the woods of Wild Park Leisure, Brailsford for a paint fuelled, fun filled splatter fest'.
22 Nailer shock troopers enjoyed a morning of paintballing whilst the rest of the hockey community kicked their heels wondering what to do now that the weather had cancelled all fixtures. We rampaged through the snow covered woods taking and defending towers and capturing flags. Only breaking to re load our weapons and our stomachs. Tales of heroism and narrow escapes were swapped over a hearty McDonalds afterwards!!
Brilliant. The boys were a credit to the club with staff from the park praising them for their behaviour and attitude. Well done.
Jason Franklin

Belper U18 Boys National Club Competition. Sunday November 14th, 2010. City of York 3 - Belper 7
Squad – Matt Rimmington (GK), Ross Duncan, David Boddy, James Cozens (C), Chris Bell, Will Davey, James Leuenberger, Fraser Brown, Tom Blundell, Alex Goodwin, Chris Houlton, Ed Meredith, Charlie Redfern, Max Spalton.
All the Belper boys arrived in good spirits to City of York HC on a clear , dry Sunday morning all set for a tough game. Both teams started strongly but York made good use of their early short corner and within 6 minutes were a goal ahead. Undeterred Belper responded brilliantly with a speedy run to the other end of the pitch and with one minute the scoreline was level thanks to a perfectly executed goal by Chris Bell. Belper were now really fired up and having missed a few chances they went ahead with another goal from Chris which would not be his last of the day.
Belpers first short corner was successful with a lovely shot from Ed Meredith pushing the visitors into the lead. Spirits were running high in the Belper camp and the many spectators who had made the journey north enjoyed wave after wave of pressure from their side inspite of the York umpire doing his best to curtail events with a number of green cards being issued to Belper players.
Following an unsuccessful short corner and long corner Ed agin scored putting the visiors 4 – 1 ahead. The first half finished with some skilful hockey from the Belper boys culminating in a second goal for Chris. Half time and Belper ahead 5 – 1.
City of York obviously had a rousing team talk and came out very strong catching Belper slightly off guard scoring a goal within seconds of the start of play. Belper picked up immediately and were unlucky not to score as a ball from Ed just went wide. Following two more green cards to Belper players York were awarded a penalty flick which they took well and the pressure was palpable as Belper felt their strong lead ebbing away. Encourged by coach Mark Lamb and the passionate spectators they worked hard , playing some extremely fast and skilful hockey which resulted in a numbers of short corners. York defended very well and they were all unsuccessful adding to the frustration for the visitors.
Chris, scoring what James Cozens, Captain, felt was the most important goal of the game, turned things around. Spirits once again were up and the game finished with James powering a goal into the back of the net two minutes from the end. Belper were victorious 7 – 3 but the scoreline really does only tell a small part of the story. It was an extremely hard fought game and a well deserved victory for Belper who are looking forward to their 3rd round game against Rutland HC at Uppingham School on November 28th.
Special thanks to coach Mark Lamb and Andrew Lamb who travelled to umpire for us.
Also to all the supporters -we couldn’t have done it without you!
Report by Sally Cozens

U15 Notts Development League - Wednesday 17th November, 2010. Beeston 1 - Belper 6
Belper Boys U15 Development team played their second fixture in the Notts league against Beeston Bees on another cold damp night at Clifton.
Squad: Joe Darby (GK), Jack Forrest, George Selby, Anthony Broderick, Jacob Bullock, Chris Handley, Thomas Harrop, Rannoch (the Nose) Linnell, Henry Mac, George Murfin, Nick Pankhurst, Harrison Pearson, Alex Robey (c), Duncan Sword.
This was an excellent opportunity for the development squad to get some practise in and the game was played in good spirit. Umpire Ben Lamb took no prisoners, while assistant coach Toby Hooker rotated the subs to give everyone an opportunity to try different positions. Ant Broderick scored two goals in quick succession, followed by another from Tom Harrop. The Beeston youngsters kept fighting and eventually pulled a goal back. After the break and another swap round of positions Rannoch scored twice within two minutes and the final goal was almost bagged by Chris, but actually put away by a Beeston foot deflecting a shot from Alex. Final score 6-1 to Belper.
Man of the match – Jack Forrest. Next league match Wednesday 19th Jan 2011, 8pm, Clifton.

Belper U16 Boys National Club Competition. Sunday November 14th, 2010. Rutland 1 - Belper 4
Belpers U16 Boys travelled to Uppingham School for their EH Cup 2nd round match against Rutland HC on Sunday.
Squad: Dan Darby [GK], Joe Darby [GK], Rannoch Linnell, Chris Handley, Jacob Bullock (c), Harrison Pearson, George Murfin, Tom Lush, Alex Robey, Nick Pankhurst, Will Tomkinson, Miles Curtis, George Selby, Tom Harrop, Simon Taylor, Adam Wisdish.
Team crutch: Toby Hooker.
It was an early start for some with a 10:30 arrival time. Ben wanted the team to shake the travelling out of their legs and get the hockey heads on early. Certainly in the warm up Belper were very impressive and organised. The game started well and it was evidently going to be a close fought match with both teams moving the ball well. However, it was Rutland who took the first blood (literally) and, with a move down the left and along the back line took the lead.
The Belper boys came back strongly with Alex making some good moves down the centre, the movement from the forwards creating space and opportunity. Belper equalised with a short corner converted by Miles, at full stretch, slotting the ball past the Rutland keeper to take the game to 1-1 and half time.
Coach Ben Lamb pulled no punches with his half time team talk and a different Belper team emerged for the 2nd half, scoring 3 goals in a period of 10 minutes after the restart. The first attributed to Tom Harrop from the edge of the ‘D’ (although there may have been a slight deflection by Nick to make it certain), a great penalty corner converted by Tom Lush and a goal from Nick assisted by a signature run by George Murfin.
Rutland continued to press and always looked dangerous, particularly in the counter attack, but the score remained at 4-1 and the win has earned the Boys a 3rd round tie away at Beeston on Sunday 28th Nov. All support for this will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks to Ben lamb for coaching the team at Rutland, to Dave Hoare for giving up another day to umpire for us and to all the parents for their continued support.

Belper U14 Boys National Club Competition & 'Friendly' v City of Peterborough.
Sunday November 14th, 2010.
The Nailers took two teams to Peterborough - One to continue the campaign for National Club Competition honours against Burton; and one to test City of Peterborough's Club Competition team in a friendly before they entered the fray against Burton.
City of Peterborough 3 Belper Nailers 2 -Sooooooooooooo so close. Scorers: Nat P 1, Jacob B 1
Team: Matt T (GK);George M; Ben Y; John M; Tom H; Jacob B; Nat P; Jon H; Jonathon H; George C (Capt); James R; Joe D; Andy L (sub); Jamie F (sub)
CoP were very eager to shake themselves down and come out fighting. The play went from end to end with the balance of power equally poised. But Peterborough began to get the upper hand pushing play increasingly into the Nailer's half but a stout defence by welcome newcomer John M, George M, Tom H and Ben Y turned the game on its head sending the midfield of Jonathon H and Jacob B whistling up the pitch with the ball falling to Nat P who buried it: 1:0, not a fraction of a second later CoP caught the Nailers (revelling in their excellent goal) and drew back. 1:1. Black sheep. Nailer time spent in Peterborough's would not materialise into goals as balls raced wide and off the metal work (this supporter almost had a seizure) as we failed to capitalise on sloppy defending. After half time the Nailers regained their composure and in a mad scramble in from of Peterborough's goal Jacob B poached a well earned goal but. you guessed it the cheering had hardly stopped and the CoP trumped us. Nooo, 2:2. Nail bitingly the seconds counted down as Joe D, George C and James R chased and chased for goal. I looked away and breathed a sigh of relief the boys had done good and held Peterborough's Club Comp team to a draw. I looked away to soon !wham! they had us 3:2. I couldn't believe it. Some dejected faces as the Nailers left the pitch, but a really impressive effort by boys when put in context - CoP went onto beat Burton by only 2:1 in their Club Comp match. MotM - Jonathon H for cutting through time and time again, superb.
National Club Competition - Belper Nailers 10 (yes 10) Burton 0 scorers: Dom B 4, Andy L 4, Dylan G 2
Team: Harri J E (GK); Jake T; Jamie F; Nat P; James H; Ben H; Ciaran C; Luke R (C); Andy L; Dom B; Dylan G
What can I say - I could not do it justice. It rained goals. Team work just oozed out all over the place. MotM - Ben H blinding vision. I was speechless by the end, and I am still now the score line will just have to speak for itself . Thank you Matt E for giving up you Sunday and umpiring our matches very much appreciated.
You are the Belper Nailers.
Jason Franklin

Belper U14 Boys ‘Friendly Festival’ Lichfield Sunday November 7th
The Nailers took a squad of 21 to Lichfield – those that could play did play and what a test of character, a week before the next round of the National Club Competition.
Lichfield 3 Belper Nailers 0
Team: Matt T (GK); Jamie C (GK); Jake T; Ben Y; Harry S; Jacob B; Nat P; Jon H; Ciaran C; George C (Capt); James R; Joe D; Luke R (sub)
Lichfield fielded their cup team and were eager to prove themselves for the whole 50 minutes. The Nailers went out with our younger members of the section the majority having only just stepped up from U12s. The experience came in the shape of George C who helped shape our offence, with Jamie C in goal and Jake T who worked tirelessly as sweeper. Some terrific personal clashes as the midfields tried to take control of the game. Jon H and Ciaran C worked well pushing the game into Lichfield’s half with Nat P showing boundless energy as Lichfield counter attacked racing back down the field and channelling their wing into the sideline on more than one occasion. Jamie C and Matt T made super saves but Lichfield’s pressure finally resulted in goals. Luke R came on after Jon H took a stick to the ankle and helped Belper push the game into the Lichfield D Pink Elephant. Try as they might Joe D and James R Fate would not let them find the net before the final whistle. The full on pace of 50 minutes of hockey saw some tired lads at the end. Man of the Match went to Nat P for sheer guts and industry in Midfield. Thank you to Ingrid L for umpiring very much appreciated.
Cannock 1 Belper Nailers 4
Scorers: Dom B 3 (1pf) Andy L 1
Team: Jamie C (GK); Harri J E (GK); George M; Jamie F; Jake T; James H; Ben H; Ben C (Capt); Luke R; Andy L; Dom B; Dylan G; Nat P (sub); Ciaran C (sub)
Two very evenly matched teams took to the pitch, after 50 minutes what differentiated them was team work and spirit. The Nailers composure led to the complete unravelling of a very gifted Cannock side. The first ten minutes saw every team member press forward on the offence and sweep back to defend as a unit. The midfield of Ben H, Ben C and Luke R pushing hard to put Dom B, Andy L and Dylan G into the D, fine aerials from Ben C and superb recoveries by Ben H meant play kept flashing back into Cannock’s half. Jamie F in as central defender pushed deep into mid field releasing alternate midfielders to ramp our number inside Cannocks 25, before tracking back to bolster the defence. The tension finally exploded as Dom B buried his first (I think I may have disgraced myself with an over emotional cheer). Cannock heads went with the team breaking down into individuals and some displays of temper. Consistent strength in the defence from Jake T, George M and some excellent touch tight marking from James H, backed up by the rest of the team meant we almost denied Cannock. First half 1:1. Cannock could not fully recover their composure Yellow Duck and conducted themselves in stark contrast to the Nailers. Clearly talented they pushed hard but the frustration of being forced wide, intercepted and turned over finally resulted in two excellent finishes by Andy L and Dom B. A penalty flick to the Nailers was converted beautifully by Dom B. Superb saves by Harri J E only served to worsen Cannocks spirits. Full Time 1:4. Another memorable performance by the Nailers. MotM went to Jamie F for taking on board a tactical briefing, stepping up, and turning it into a reality. Thank you to Simon C for umpiring (it is very much appreciated).
Well done lads. Jason Franklin

Dan Darby and Joe Sharp at England Assessment Camps
After starring for the Mercia Lynx U16 side in the recent Futures Cup, Belper keeper, Dan Darby, has been rewarded with an invitation to an England U16 Assessment Camp to be held at Lilleshall Sports Centre on Friday 26th & Saturday 27th November 2010. Having only taken up goalkeeping in the past 2 years or so, this is a fantastic achievement and we wish him all the best. Not only has Dan made an impression on the international selectors he is also seen as a future 1st XI goalkeeper having already made a handful of appearances for the Men's 2nd XI. Congratulations Dan!
Joe Sharp continues to shine also at junior level as he has been selected for an England U18 Assessment Camp even though he is a year young at this age group. A regular member of the Belper Mens 1XI, and previous junior England U16 international, we wish him well at his forthcoming trial.

Boys training times revised for 2010-11 from Tuesday 2nd November.
In order to make it possible for the U16 and U18 coaches to attend their matches, as well as to increase training opportunities, we have decided to move the U16 training to Thursday evening, with the U18 Boys moving back to Tuesdays. This will be with effect from the first training session after half term (Tues 2 and Thurs 4 Nov respectively). We appreciate that this may cause some problems with logistics for some families, but we need to do this to in advance of our next England Hockey Cup rounds (14 Nov and hopefully 28 Nov).
* U14 group continue to train 6.30 – 8.00pm on Tuesday evenings, half pitch, with Paul Cahill, Mark Minion and Andrew Hartley. So no change there.
* U16s will train 6.30 – 8.00pm on Thursdays, half pitch, with Ben Lamb, who will also be the matchday coach, and James Blackwell .
* U18s will train 6.30 – 8.00pm on Tuesday, half pitch, with Mark Lamb (matchday coach) and David Ross
General Club training (for anyone, 13+, who plays in a Men’s team and has paid their subs to BHC) will remain on Tuesday evening, 8.00-10.00pm, half pitch.
To make the most of these sessions, it is important that all players arrive promptly and are ready to begin work at the session start time. Players should wear appropriate training kit including gum shields and shin pads.
Sally Cozens and Judy Hooker.

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Belper Hockey Club home and away 'gorgeous' unisex socks
We are having some bespoke BELPER Hockey Club socks made up. These will be :- HOME socks in RED with “BELPER” down the back in NAVY and AWAY socks in WHITE with “BELPER” down the back in NAVY. Available for Men, Ladies and Juniors. The cost will be £5.50/pair, or 2 pairs for £10 – absolute bargain; they’re gorgeous!
I have samples of the socks and will bring them down to training after half term. The initial batch should be ready in a few weeks and, from the reaction we have had from people who have seen the samples, we anticipate that they will be very popular. If you would like to register an interest (first come, first served) I will need you to email me (nigel@nhooker.wanadoo.co.uk) with a few details:
1. Name
2. Size – Large (7-12) or Medium (smaller than that ie ~3-6)
3. Colour(s)
4. Quantity
I will then make a note and contact you when the socks arrive – for payment! Your wives, mums and girlfriends will be able to buy/collect them at the Junior Boys fundraising event – the ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Shopping Night on 11th November in the Clubhouse. I have attached photos of the socks – I only have one sock of each type at the moment but I’m sure some people will want to wear them like this anyway!!
Judy Hooker

Belper U14 Boys National Club Competition, October 3rd 2010
Belper 4 City of Peterboro' 0, scorer Dom B (4) poetry. Beeston 1 Belper 3, scorers Dom B (2.5) Dylan G (0.5)
A nerve shredding start to our EHB Club Competition - a home quadrangular, pitch under water, torrential rain, knowing we had to face the league heavyweights, Beeston. So what do you do when faced with such odds? The boys stepped up and starred them down. Repton College saved the day by offering their facilities to us, and as the storm clouds parted and the assault began...
Belper v Peterboro: Whoosh! - Straight out of the gates, Belper gripped the game hard and for such a young side played with great maturity. Luke R, Dom B, Ben C and Ben H put their experience to fantastic use encouraging their team mates and making stretching passes which pushed their team out and opened up the game. Once the boys started to release the ball early the game flowed. Peterboro were given very little opportunity to break into the game, let alone break out of hold Belper had on them. Dom B, with skills slipperier than a seal in fairy liquid, cracked one, then two, then three home in the first half. Peterboro took stock and the second half saw a far more balanced match with spectators enjoying end to end play; to be fair Jamie C and Harri J E rarely found themselves under pressure that hadn't already been absorbed by their defence. Dazzling play up the middle meant Dom B buried another and secured our first victory in the competition and rightly earned himself 'Man of the Match'. Excellent. Then cakes, cakes and more cakes as the boys stoked their engines for part 2.
Beeston v Belper: Touchline intelligence credited Beeston with the advantage having had a fair number of friendly prep fixtures... I can tell you it was tense as the yellows and blues squared up waiting the umpires whistle; both sides looking the part, bent forward, leaning on their sticks, legs flexed ready for the charge. Then all hell was let loose. Furious battles for possession took place down the middle with both teams failing to make use of the width. I never thought I'd say this, but play really did surge back and forth. Finally our discipline, team work, passing asserted itself. Again the older boys used their experience to mould the play. Dom B, beautifully set up Ben C, struck home two to the absolute delight of Belper parents. A truly awesome goal from Ben C one which, if we had annuls, would have gone down it them was disallowed (something technical about how his laces were tied - I think). Half time saw more rotation and a sobering warning that two is just not enough on occasions like this. Beeston had had their own how many fingers make five pep talk and pressed for goal straight off. It felt like an eternity as Belper systematically diffused attack after attack with a goal line save from Jamie F, a wincing deflection from Jake T, and more fancy footwork from Harri J E than an average football match - so much so Harri took 'Man of the Match'. A dramatic break, coming from with majestic passes from deep within the defence, lit the fuse which set off the dynamite of our midfield and blasted Dylan G and Dom B into the D where both settled the final score, and having consulted with myself and being decisive, I'd give the goal to both of them. Beeston did take a consolation goal from us; and using the bruising encounter with Belper took out their frustration out on W Bridgford.
A really great afternoon - I didn't even notice the rain, the growing darkness - fantastic. A very big thank you to Matt English for being fair, firm and unbiased when umpiring our games; and to all the parents from all the teams for how they dealt with the frustrations at the start of the day, I am very grateful for your patience - it
gave the boys a chance to play memorable hockey.
Jason Franklin

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Belper U18 Boys Cup Rd 1 October 3rd, 2010. Lichfield 1 v Belper 6
Scorers- Fraser B, James C (2), David B, Huw B, Chris B
Driving south on an extremely wet A38 the U18 boys and parents wondered quite why they were involved in outdoor sports in England but the outcome of the impending game away at Lichfield proved exactly why!
Belper pressurised the Lichfield side right from the first whistle with wave after wave of spirited attacks. So spirited that Captain Ross Duncan received a green card within 11 minutes! Finally the determined play was rewarded with a superb goal from Fraser in his debut game for the U18 side. Only 4 minutes later after picking up the ball at the half way line and with a great one-two with Chris Bell, James Cozens scored Belpers second goal. Confidence was building and with a short corner awarded only 3 minutes later James Cozens made it 3 – 0 with a ball fired into the goal.
Lichfield regrouped and goal keeper Conor Costelo, playing his first game for the side as Matt Rimmington is injured, made a spectacular save just managing to flick the ball with his stick. Followed just a few minutes later by a short corner for Lichfield which again forced an amazing save. This time it was Alex Goodwin who, positioning himself perfectly, saved the ball on the line from a rebound shot. James Leuenberger had his work cut out but consistently and reliably throughout the match he ensured the ball was moved out of the danger area. Will Davey and Josh McAllion giving tremendous support in defence and passing to newcomer, Charlie Redfern, to move up the field.
Just before the half time whistle Belper secured another short corner and this time it was David Boddy who added to the score sheet with a beautifully executed shot.
Lichfield must have had a strong team talk at half time as they came out firing on all cylinders. Almost immediately there was a shot on goal that just went over the top followed very quickly by another across the front of the goal line. The pressure was on and soon increased further when Lichfield scored. No one need have worried as only two minutes later Belper responded with another great run from James and then sending the ball forward and Huw Borradaile just popping it into the goal. A great start to his time in the U18s along with Chris Houlton who only joined the club at the end of last season.
Lichfield continued to apply pressure and in the space of 5 minutes had two penalty corners awarded but thanks to the fantastic work in defence they were unsuccessful.
Just before the final whistle and following another great display of hockey skills Belper scored again with a beautiful goal from Chris Bell -perfect end to a great match played, in the end, under a blue sky with the sun shining.
Looking forward to the next round when hopefully Joe Sharp will have found his way back from the geography field trip and Ed Meredith and Matt Rimmington return following injuries.
Special thanks to Marko Lamb for coaching the side on the day, to James Blackwell and Ben Lamb for the training sessions, to the parents who bravely ventured out on what looked to be such an awful day and to Dave Willenbruch and the Lichfield club for their great hospitality.

Belper U14 Boys play Repton School
The Belper U14 boys season opened with a great friendly on the fantastic waterbased at Repton School (thank you Simon C for dusting down your team and breaking them out before their season has yet to get underway - much appreciated).
A game set up to give the vast majority of the boys their first fix of 11 a-side, and they really enjoyed it. Repton never any slouches came out and really introduced the lads to end to end hockey. Plenty of encouragement from the side line got both teams to spread the play. Belper did a lot mixing of positions to see how are newest members adapted.
I can't name individuals as all 15 boys stepped up.
Repton showed some formidable skill but allowed some of our strikers to get a chance to savour the satisfying 'crack' of ball smashing of the back board.
No names today, we've taken the first step on road on a that should lead to an enjoyable season where we will see the boys grow in experience, skill and stature as hockey players; and into sportsmen the club can be proud of.
Well done. You stepped up, you never gave up, and you enjoyed it.
Jason Franklin

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